Kolkata: “City of Joy” Kolkata are in Football festive mood. With Brazil, Uruguay and IFA Shield on the way, Calcutta Football League 2026 has heated up and come into a tense stage with “Big 3” of Bengal battling out for ultimate glory on Saturday , 19th September.
Let’s take a look at whose chances are high and how can they win
Mohun Bagan SG vs Mohammadan SC :
Mohun Bagan SG who won CFL crown last time in 2018 are favourites to win the title. In 2018 , Mariners under legendary Shankarlal Chakraborty finished the campaign undefeated, capped off by a 2–1 comeback win against Mohammedan Sporting on September 18, 2018, featuring goals from Tirthankar Sarkar and Pintu Mahata. They ended arch-rival East Bengal’s eight-year reign as champions to claim their 30th local league crown. But since then, they’ve been trophyless in the competition, even facing group stage exit last season.
But this time, the format was changed and things turned. After finishing Group A at 3, they plundered Coal India 5-1 in Super 6 then faced a draw against United Sports Club. This improved their goal difference and helped them top Super 6.
Mohammedan on other hand last won CFL in 2023. They faced lot of turmoil in their team with salary issues, coach Mehraj stepping down ,club body changes and so on, but their determination didn’t die. They finished Group B at number 2 and defeated the undefeated Bhawanipur and drew against East Bengal in Super 6 at are sitting at Number 2.
Both Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan will face each other for “Mini Derby” at Barasat Stadium. The winner will conquer CFL 2026 title and thus this is a virtual final.
East Bengal vs Coal India SPA
41 times champion East Bengal eye hat trick of crown as they face debutant Coal India who shocked everyone topping Group B to reach Super 6. East Bengal after an unbeaten run in Group A where they topped, tied both games against Mohammedan and United SC thereby creating major hurdles at placing them at number 4.
But if Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan draw amongst themselves and East Bengal win against Coal India ta East Bengal ground with more than 5+ goal margin, they can win the CFL 2026 title.
Bhawanipore vs United SC
Bhawanipore and United SC will clash between themselves at Barrackpore Stadium. Bhawanipore finished Group B undefeated amongst giants like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. They faced a defeat against Mohammedan but then came back strong with victory over Coal India. They also have an outside chance to win the CFL 2026 title if both matches end in draw and they win by big margin against United SC.
The doors are closed for none. CFL 2026 gave an action packed Football tournament and tensions amongst fans like never before, coming at a time when the tournament was losing it’s past glory.
